More than a day had passed since Drayce, and his troop left Barknor Fortress. A messenger arrived at the Royal Palace of Abetha and went to urgently report to the King.

"Your Majesty," Lord Eudes bowed as he entered the King's study together with the messenger. "We have received a message from our spies in Hatha."

"What's the news?" King Armen asked worriedly.

The messenger kneeled in front of him. "Reporting to His Majesty, the Crown Prince has been successfully rescued, and the troop left Barknor Fortress last night. As Sir Calhoun Sanders, the commander of the royal knights of Megaris was severely injured; therefore, the troop is traveling slowly. From our estimates, after a day or two, they would have entered the territory of Abetha. Our military stationed in the Northern Fortress will then safely escort them back to the capital."

King Armen felt relieved upon hearing that his son was safe, but then he asked, "Didn't we plan the escape from Megaris' side?"

The messenger nodded and explained the entire situation. As he listened, King Armen could not help but sigh. He understood the price Megaris had to pay in order for the operation to be successful, and he knew that this was a heavy favor Abetha had to return, but at the moment, there was nothing he could do except to offer aid for the fast recovery of the infamous Slayer of Megaris when they returned.

"Inform all the royal physicians to be available to see his injury, and allow the precious medicinal herbs in the Treasury to be used for his treatment," the King instructed Lord Eudes.

His advisor bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

----------

Not only King Armen but Queen Niobe was also desperately waiting to get the latest news about the rescue mission of Crown Prince Cian. Since the moment she was informed of the Prince's abduction, she couldn't be in peace and prayed for his well-being.

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lord Darus Count also got updates regarding the situation of the rescue mission through his secret sources.? As soon as he was finished with his official duties, he came to visit Queen Niobe in her chamber to inform her about the successful rescue of Prince Cian.

Lord Darus bowed to the Queen, who, as usual, sat in her chair after ordering her lady-in-waiting and maids to leave.

"Your Majesty, they had successfully rescued the Crown Prince."

Queen Niobe gave out a sigh of relief. "Finally. I was sure the King did everything to save our son." 𝐛𝐞𝐝𝗻𝐨𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝐜𝐨𝗺

"The King of Megaris played a major role. His powers and tactics are commendable," Darus Count added.

"King of Megaris!" the Queen mumbled. "I am sure my husband will have to return this heavy favor to him, maybe at the expense of the kingdom."

The minister nodded. "With our kingdom being embroiled in a war with Hatha and Thevailes, Abetha can't afford to upset him if he asks for something, or else the alliance will crumble. From what I heard about his actions during the rescue mission, it shows the rumors about him being the devil's son are somewhat the truth."

The Queen gave him a questioning look, and Lord Darus explained, "During the fight, there was a sudden earthquake, and everyone believes the King of Megaris caused it."

"Interesting, though it's not believable."

"Your Majesty, it is too much of a coincidence that just as Marquis Percy had hurt King Drayce's closest confidant, an earthquake erupted. According to my sources, it was the result of his anger," the minister added. "Not just that, during the fight, there were a number of times the King of Megaris showed inhuman abilities."

"If you have heard of this, I am sure King Armen would have known about it too and verified its authenticity and will not try to cross him if he asked for anything," Queen Niobe sighed. After some time, her amber-colored eyes shone brightly. "Instead of promising wealth and land, why not formalize our temporary alliance with Megaris with a promise of longer lasting friendship? How about gifting him one of the princesses from Abetha? Isn't it a normal thing to do when another kingdom comes to your rescue?"

Lord Darust nodded. "Such trades increase the trust between both kingdoms."

"And here we have one precious witch for this valuable trade, perfect for a devil." The Queen smirked,? her eyes looking like she had planned something wicked.

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

"When will they return to the capital?" the Queen asked.

"They will arrive tomorrow, Your Majesty," the minister replied as he added, "If we proceed with our plan, we only have tonight to implement it. Once Prince Cian returns, it will be difficult for us to move."

The Queen agreed. "Do we have everything ready?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. We are just waiting for your permission."

"Tonight, carry it out by all means, and remember, no mistake is allowed."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty."

--------

(Seren's POV)

Standing by the window, I kept staring at the sky, which was slowly getting engulfed by the darkness. The sun was about to set behind those faraway mountain ranges.

Time felt like a snail crawling, and although it seemed a year had passed, it was actually only the third night I would spend alone without Martha being by my side.

"Where is that old lady? Once she is back, I would trouble her to her bones. She dared to keep me alone for this long." I complained out loud, but the next moment, my mind changed. "What if she never returns?"

The thought scared me. I closed my eyes and prayed to whoever could hear my pleading.

"Please let Martha return soon. I will be good to her and listen to whatever she says..."

Thud!

"Ahh!"

Something landed on my window, and on a reflex, I stepped back from the source of the sound.? Several seconds later, I opened my eyes, only to see the eagle who always brought my meals.

"Can't you inform me before landing here so suddenly?" I raised my voice as I tried to calm my fast heartbeats and catch my breath.

The majestic brown bird didn't seem to be affected by my words, and I stepped towards him.

"Why do I feel like you love scaring me? Do you want me to burn you?" I said, and the eagle moved back a little away from the food box he brought.

"Didn't someone tell you I am a witch and I can burn you?" I asked again, but the eagle ignored me and turned, about to spread his wings to fly away.

"Wait!" I called out, and surprisingly, the eagle folded his wings back and turned to face me. I noticed something on one of his claws.